IT IS a scandal, indeed we think it is shameless. Yes the infamous Watergate Hotel is scheduled to open The Watergate Scandal Room 214 next month. The room is being conceptualized, curated and designed by Lyn Paolo, the costume designer of the TV series "Scandal" and John Wells' show "Shameless," and Rakel Cohen, co-owner of the property.

For those who weren’t even born when the political scandal which spawned a whole bevy of ‘gates’ first happened let us fill you in. On June 17, 1972 E. Howard Hunt and G. Gordon Liddy, who headed up the Watergate break-in team, stationed themselves in The Watergate Hotel's room 214. From there, they masterminded via radio the burglary at the Democratic National Committee in the Watergate Complex, adjacent to the hotel. A Watergate security guard named Frank Wills noticed suspicious activity and called the police. Which ultimately led to the discovery of the scandal and the resignation of US President Richard Nixon.

That break-in 45 years has served as the inspiration for the new room, which will have soft furnishings and in-room amenities that will showcase the property's history. Because, hey, if you can’t shake off scandal, embrace it.  Olivia Pope eat your heart out.

 The hotel was originally designed by Italian architect Luigi Moretti to look like a sail on the Potomac. The Watergate Hotel was reopened in 2016 following a $200 million-dollar renovation by its current owners, Euro Capital Properties.

The hotel's current design was created by Israeli designer Ron Arad, a disciple of Moretti. He captured the essence of the property's retro root mid-century roots and added some serious luxury. Current amenities include The Next Whisky Bar, and Kingbird. TLTB particularly likes the roof top bar and the much-acclaimed Argentta Spa.

Among the subtle nods to The Watergate break-in throughout the property, guests will find room keys that read 'No Need to Break-In,' and in-room pencils engraved with 'I Stole This from The Watergate Hotel'.  The hotel’s main phone number alludes to the break-in date (844-617-1972) and when you dial the hotel you’ll hear Nixon speeches instead of ‘on hold’ music.

This year not only marks the 45th anniversary of The Watergate break-in, but also 50 years since The Watergate Hotel first opened its doors

Luxury Links: www.thewatergatehotel.com

Lisa Allen 7/9/17